Not talking about casting distance but is there any reason why the microwave would result in a more sensitive rod than if I used the kr concept or vice versa? Anyone have any actual on the water experience between them?

Having never handled a rod with either concept, I would think one could be build just as sensitive as the other.

No

Assuming all else is equal, whichever one allows you to build the lightest rod, particularly in the top half of the rod, should be the most sensitive. Do keep in mind that minute differences in weight will only result in minute differences in sensitivity. You may be at a point that would be difficult to notice by hand.

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I think the butt guides will be a wash so if you can get the weights of the transition and running guides for each and weigh them you should be able to quickly tell which will result in less weight. The MW will only have one transition guide and the KR maybe a couple. I just can't see much difference. I think the MW rod might possibly balance a little bit further back towards the reel.

My very limited work would suggest you should spend your efforts on grips. Guides seem to me to have more of an effect on casting, rod speed/crispness, and fish fighting ability. A heavy guide train can make a rod seem slower. Inadequate amounts/quality make the drag seem not as smooth on fast/hard running fish. Casting is a little harder to notice. I botched my first attempt at a simple spiral bad enough to know you make a good casting rod and reel a total dog if you try hard enough.

It could be all the rough work and damage to hands/nerves......but recently I have started to feel like my hands are not as sensitive as other parts.....for example, a longer butt grip with the end of the rod touching my ribs had me feeling things my hands weren't.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

I have both setups, no difference at all that I can tell in sensitivity. They fish the same.

You can't push a rope, and you can't feel a thing happening on the far side of slack in a fish line. It's a physical fact, and no amount of money , blanks, guides, or line can change it. If you wish to test your set-up for what the ad-men call "sensitivity" you need to do it with a tight line.